SGN October 28, 2016 - Section 2

Seattle Gay News

Issue 44, Volume 44, October 28, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

Seattle Rep presents New Artistic Director fascinating world Paul Caldwell makes premiere Roz and Ray triumphant debut

(l) Teagle F. Bougere (Ray) & Ellen McLaughlin (Roz) in Roz and Ray – Photo by Alan Alabastro

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer ROZ AND RAY SEATTLE REPERTORY THEATRE Through November 13

Karen Hartman is a local playwright, who is gaining national recognition. Her newest play, Roz and Ray, is getting a coworld premiere production between the Seattle Repertory Theatre and Victory Garsee ROZ & RAY page 7

Seattle Women’s Chorus – Photo courtesy of facebook.com

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS “UNVEILED” ST. MARK’S CATHEDRAL October 22 (continues 10/28-29)

SWC has clearly fallen head over heels for new artistic director Paul Caldwell. By the looks of things, he’s fallen in love with them, too! The love fest is on full display at St. Mark’s Cathedral on Capitol Hill dursee “UNVEILED” page 6

Emotionally raw Closet Unnerving Ouija prequel Monster comes out swinging a terrifyingly good surprise

Closet Monster – Photo courtesy of youtube.com

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer CLOSET MONSTER Now playing As a child, Oscar Madly (Connor Jessup) saw something terrible. For over a decade, after watching his parents’ mar-

riage fall to pieces and his mother Brin (Joanne Kelly) leave both he and his father Peter (Aaron Abrams) for another man, the inventive teenager has never told anyone about what it was he saw. Not even his best friend Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf) or his talking hamster Buffy (voiced by Isabella see CLOSET MONSTER page 8

Lulu Wilson (Doris) in Ouija: Origin of Evil – Photo courtesy of collider.com

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL Now playing Let’s all be honest, 2014’s Ouija was a bad movie. I missed the press screening but took in the film about a week after its

release, and while I didn’t hate the anemic tween girl horror outing based on the Hasbro board game and made, as if, by a boardroom committee and not by actual filmmakers, I never felt compelled to write about it, either. Barely containing a story, only hinting at the thinnest idea of three-disee ORIGIN OF EVIL page 10

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October 28, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

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October 28, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Seattle Rock Orchestra to perform David Bowie tribute show in Tacoma this weekend

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer It’s time to get your Bowie on. And just in time for Halloween, too. The Seattle Rock Orchestra will perform a David Bowie tribute concert this weekend at Tacoma’s Pantages Theatre, playing songs from the rock icon’s vast catalog of work, from his glammy Ziggy Stardust days to his pop-dance hits like “China Girl” and “Modern Love,” and everything in between. Guests are encouraged to attend in costume, whether it be Bowie-inspired or not. Tickets for the event, happening October 29 at 7:30pm, are priced at $19 and can be purchased by calling the Broadway Center Box Office at (800) 291-7593, online at BroadwayCenter.org, or in person at 901 Broadway in Tacoma.

Lady GaGa released her new album Joanne this week to favorable reviews, some citing that it’s her best album yet. Co-produced by the superstar and Mark Ronson (“Uptown Funk,” Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black), it features the leadoff single “Perfect Illusion,” plus a duet with Florence Welch (“Hey Girl”) and the song “Dancin’ in Circles,” which is co-written by Lady GaGa, Ronson, Beck and Michael Tucker. Eleven tracks are included in the standard edition of Joanne, clocking in at just under 40 minutes in length, but three additional tracks appear in the deluxe edition and one additional track in the Japanese release. No word yet on a Lady GaGa national tour; however, expect an announcement prior to, or shortly after, her Super Bowl performance in February. Joanne is available now at all traditional and online record stores.

In case you missed Madonna’s tour last year, like I did, you can watch the next best thing, a concert film that captures the visual theatrics, stunning costumes and intricate choreography, in addition to a multitude of hits spanning

Lady GaGa – Photo courtesy of Interscope Records

the pop queen’s career, including “True Blue,” “La Isla Bonita,” “Material Girl” and “Burning Up,” to name a few. “Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour” will premiere on Showtime on Friday, December 9 (6pm PST) and features footage of the concert shot around the world, plus a collection of live and behind-the-scenes action. Later this year, Madonna will accept the “Woman of the Year” award by Billboard magazine for her unparalleled success as both a recording artist and live performer. “Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour”

is co-directed by Danny B. Tull and Nathan Rissman. SGN writer Jessica Price covered the Portland date of the tour, on October 17, 2015. http://www.sgn.org/ sgnnews43_43/page21.cfm The country boy is city bound.

Two-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton, who won two awards in February, including Best Country Album for his well-reviewed debut Traveller, is coming to Seattle next spring. The respected singer-songwriter, who penned songs for several Nashville acts before launching his own career as a recording artist, will perform at Key Arena with opening act Maren Morris on March 28. I’ve never seen him before in concert, but my friends have, and they all say he’s not to be missed. Tickets for Chris Stapleton are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at LiveNation.com, Key Arena box office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Also headed to the Emerald City is Tove Lo, who actually just performed here two weeks ago as a supporting act for Maroon 5.

The Swedish electro-pop singer is scheduled to appear February 6 at The Showbox SoDo. For tickets, go to showboxpresents.com.

Finally, Charlie Puth has canceled the remainder of his “We Don’t Talk Tour,” including the November 5 concert at The Showbox SoDo, due to illness. The singer-songwriter came down with a serious case of the flu that sent him to the hospital, where he posted images on his Instagram page for fans. For ticket refunds, go to the original point of purchase.

The record stops spinning for Pete Burns: eccentric Dead or Alive singer passes away

ant, confident, and he could twirl around in circles like no one’s business.

Burns and Boy George were two of the earliest gender-bending, androgynous performers that had crossed over successfully to American mainstream music, in the mid to late ’80s. They wore women’s clothes, thick black eyeliner, blush and lipstick, and they were proud of it. It wasn’t just an image, it was who they were – a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

When asked about his sexuality in an old interview, Burns replied that “[People] always want to know – am I gay, bi, trans or what? I say, forget all that. There’s got to be

a completely different terminology and I’m not aware if it’s been invented yet. I’m just Pete.”

At the age of 57, Pete Burns died this week, on October 25, following a massive cardiac arrest. In recent years, he’d appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother” and had become a tabloid sensation due to his frequent and much publicized cosmetic surgery procedures. But to music fans, we remember him for famously singing “You spin me right round, baby / Right round, like a record, baby / Right round, round round,” the chorus from Dead or Alive’s signature hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” The only other Top 40 hit the new wave group had was “Something in My House.”

Boy George, Marc Almond of Soft Cell, (Sam) Preston of The Ordinary Boys were a few fellow artists who paid tribute to Burns by posting messages on social media.

George Galloway, who starred alongside him on “Celebrity Big Brother,” described Burns as “a cross between Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker.”

The world lost yet another unique, fearless musician. Though he lacked the artistry of David Bowie and Prince, he was a trailblazer of sorts that inspired his fans to be free thinkers and free spirits, and to never leave home without eyeliner. Rest in peace, Mr. Burns. We’ll keep spinning that record – right round, baby.

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by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer It was a few weeks into my freshman year of college and I had tickets to see Dead or Alive in concert. I asked a fraternity brother, whom I barely knew, if he wanted to go and he said “sure.” After pre-funking at our house on Greek Row, we were off to the show at Seattle Center.

I’m pretty sure tickets were only about 10 bucks and I don’t remember the exact name of the club, but there we were amongst a gathering of young people who were mostly dressed in black, girls in goth outfits, boys with makeup and people I’d never really come across before. It was one of the first experiences of culture shock that I’d encountered. But I loved it. This was a whole different scene for me.

The concert itself was a bust. Dead or Alive lip-synched the entire “performance,” In fact, lead singer Pete Burns dropped the microphone at one point and the music kept playing with his vocals.

Some people left disappointed, but we didn’t care. We were just below the stage.

I could practically lick Burns’ boots if I wanted to (and I kind of wanted to). He was beautiful. It didn’t matter whether he looked like man, a woman, or both. He was a sight to behold. Gorgeous long hair, flawless makeup, statuesque frame, flamboy-

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Pete Burns – Photo courtesy of exclaim.ca

Disney On Ice cast member Ben Smith offers a peek into “World of Enchantment” coming to Kent and Everett

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer DISNEY ON ICE “WORLD OF ENCHANTMENT” KENT SHOWARE CENTER November 2-7 EVERETT XFINITY ARENA November 10-13 No, Disney On Ice isn’t a cocktail. It’s an entertainment experience that brings to life some of the film studio’s most familiar characters on a floor of ice with music, dancing, fun visuals and, of course, that wonderful Disney magic we’ve all grown up loving. “World of Enchantment” is a newer production of Disney On Ice headed to Kent’s ShoWare Center on November 2 through 7 and Everett’s XFINITY Arena on November 10 through 13 that everyone, from little kids to grown adults, can enjoy; it’s a perfect treat for young nieces, nephews, godsons, goddaughters, or any Disney fan. For tickets and more information, visit

all the other toys as well. From there, we transition to “The Little Mermaid,” so everyone will go “under the sea” and be with Ariel and Sebastian, and there’s lots of different bubbles and other things going on as well, so it’s great for audience participation.

Then we have an intermission and we open again with “Cars,” and we actually have cars that drive around the ice just like in the movie, and then after that we go into “Frozen” and everyone loves Anna and Elsa, and it’s a classic, so it’s really, really great.

Rodriguez: How long is the show?

Smith: The show is 2 hours long with a 15-minute intermission.

Rodriguez: Is the show designed primarily for kids and families?

Smith: The show itself is for everyone.

No matter how young or old you are, you’re always in awe of magic; it’s always going to be special to people. For me, no matter how old I get, there’s always going to be Disney magic and I’m going to be enjoying it. So, I don’t think the show is specifically for chil-

dren, it’s for all ages.

Rodriguez: Do you have a favorite part of the show?

Smith: For me, “Toy Story” is definitely my favorite part. It’s something that I can relate to, from when I was young. Woody was always my favorite character. If I ever get to portray that role, then it’s just an incredible experience to be portraying one of my favorite Disney characters.

Rodriguez: How many total cast members are in the show?

Smith: There’s 42 ice skaters. And we have staff members and crew members, so there’s about 100 of us that travel

around together.

Rodriguez: How long are you committed to the tour?

Smith: We’ll be traveling around together for 9 months on this tour. We started in September and we continue for 9 months, and we do a different city pretty much every week. It’s a big tour, pretty exciting with lots of different places to see.

Rodriguez: Is the cast international, or does it lean American?

Smith: The cast is really international.

On the boys side of the cast, we actually only have one American, which is quite interesting. And then we have a few more female American members of the cast. We have people from Hungary, France, Spain, Canada and all over the place. Sometimes people come in and English isn’t their first language, so it’s great to try to help them learn the language and for us to pick up on other languages as well.

Rodriguez: What is your rehearsal schedule like, does the cast rehearse every day or before every show?

Smith: Before each tour, we go through an intense two-week rehearsal period.

We’ll be in one city rehearsing 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and we’ll have a class every beginning of the week, so you can get back on the ice, feel the ice and work together as a team. During the tour, if we need to have rehearsals – because of new people coming on, or to re-touch on something that needs to be improved – then we’ll have them.

Rodriguez: What was the audition process for getting onto Disney On Ice? Smith: It’s actually a really fun process.

Basically, you just send in a video audition to Feld Entertainment – and we have all the information for that on the website, feldentertainment.com. And once you send in your video audition, somebody will look at that and then you might get asked to a live audition, like I did, so I actually auditioned for Disney On Ice twice and the first time they gave me really good feedback on what I needed to improve on, and I went away and worked on those things and came back, then in a couple of months I was offered a contract.

Rodriguez: How long have you been ice skating?

Smith: I started ice skating when I was 14 years old and joined Disney On Ice when I was 19 years old.

Rodriguez: Will you be spending the holidays here in the States?

Smith: Yeah, we actually have two shows on Christmas Day this year. It’s kind of fun because you’re with your tour family and we have great celebrations around this time that we create for ourselves. Although you’re not with family, you still feel like you’re with your closest friends.

Rodriguez: When you come to Kent and Everett for the upcoming shows, will you have time to explore Seattle?

Smith: Yeah, I’ll be excited to check out Seattle. On days off, it’s really our time to just relax and get a break from the show, and also if you want to go do some sightseeing or something like that, then you have the opportunity to do it.

is here, waving around injured limbs vigorously as he conducts, and simply standing UP to do so is all pretty miraculous.

The music he chose for this concert is a mix of known pop and Broadway music, contemporary other-nation folk music, and a couple of his own choral arrangements.

The themes are uplifting, but also touch on sexual assault by way of Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens To You.” That said, even that song is empowering and morphs into “Beautiful” by Linda Perry.

The extended third composition of Act 1, “Tres Cantos,” is a beautiful soundscape of singers’ bodies and Caldwell invited the audience to even listen with eyes closed.

Full disclosure, I didn’t close my eyes and had a wonderful time watching both the actions of the singers and the conducting of Caldwell, which added to my personal enjoyment of it. Having previously sung with the Chorus for five years, I wished mightly to be up there singing that one along with everyone else.

Sensible Shoes has expanded from 9 to 12! They all sounded terrific, as usual, though the only push back on the evening is that there was really nothing “funny” about anything, and often Shoes will bring at least a bit of humor. I missed that leavening a tad.

While the Cathedral is great for big blended sound, it’s not really a choral venue and muddies the individual words. I really kind of hope that it is not a continued rental choice. I get that there is pretty great parking (which is a huge plus) and it’s hard to find space for everything, but the pews of hard wood and their tight between-row arrangement and the fact that so many are spread so much wider than the stage makes for awkward viewing, especially with no “rake” to the seats.

The concert itself felt triumphant and it was inescapable how great everyone was feeling. The last song, “Everybody Rejoice,” was enlivened by Kristin Holsather, who could have charged everyone’s cell

phone just by looking at it! I wish everyone in the audience had felt more empowered to CLAP (with the music) when I was there. It’s OK, audience…clapping along is really OK! Lastly, having gotten used to always having an encore when Dennis Coleman programmed, I did miss one more opportunity to hear everyone sing. But programmatically, it was a wonderful set. The accompanying musicians added to Nancy Otness Bent’s fabulous pianoplaying, but the singers iced their own cake this time. Brava!

You have three more opportunities to see this concert (Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 pm and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2 pm and 8 pm). You can go to www.seattlechoruses.org to order tickets for “Unveiled” and to check out the schedule for the Seattle Men’s Chorus’ upcoming holiday concert “Silver and Soul,” which kicks off December 4 at Benaroya Hall.

Jesse, Woody and Buzz in Disney On Ice’s “World of Enchantment” – Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

disneyonice.com.

I recently spoke with cast member Ben Smith, who multi-tasks by appearing in several scenes of the show, to get more insight about “World of Enchantment” and Disney On Ice itself. Here’s what he had to say.

Albert Rodriguez: Can you tell us about the show, this particular production?

Ben Smith: This show is called “World of Enchantment” and we have four different segments in the show, including “Toy Story,” which takes up the majority of the first half. There’s lots of characters, like Buzz, Woody and Jessie, and then you have

“UNVEILED”

continued from cover ing the Seattle Women’s Chorus’ concert, “Unveiled.”

The audience is falling in love, too, because the program is fresh and inviting and focuses on the core function purpose of the concert: choral singing. There are a few soloists, and they are all fantastic, but by and large, the whole chorus sings every song except for those done by “pocket choir” Sensible Shoes.

The theme of the evening is becoming more open and vulnerable, and doing so by “unveiling” oneself, especially areas of personal information that one might want to keep private, or be afraid to reveal. Paul Caldwell talks about accepting his new job in Seattle just a few weeks before a devastating car accident almost destroyed his opportunity to come here. The fact that he

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Elsa and Anna in Disney On Ice’s “World of Enchantment” – Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

October 28, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Medea

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer MEDEA SEATTLE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Through November 13 A taut, sleek and musicalized version of Medea is on tap by Seattle Shakespeare Company. The normally unmusical drama includes original compositions by Shenandoah Davis that are aptly provided and allow a Greek Chorus to actually sing! This aspect elevates this well done production even more.

Ritualistically directed by Kelly Kitchens, the play runs about an hour and forty minutes straight through as the Euripides’ story of Medea unfolds on a spare, modern bedroom suite set by Andrea Bryn Bush.

The translation used, by Kenneth McLeish and Frederick Raphael, feels contemporary and because of that feeling, it both helps the audience understand the words well, yet hurts the understanding of an ancient story.

Certainly, the language feels immediate and accessible, and with contemporary costuming by Chelsea Cook, it feels like it could be a story that happens today. But part of what we need to understand about Medea is that she is a woman “of her time.”

Euripides wrote more than two thousand years ago about a woman treated as worthless when her husband decides to throw her over for a princess and a crown.

Because of this treatment, and because the play postulates that women are underestimated as far as their strength is con-

(l) Sylvester Foday Kamara (Jason) and Alexandra Tavares (Medea) – Photo by John Ulman

cerned, Medea determines to show her power in revenge by killing. She decides to kill her rival, the princess, and intends that this will also kill King Kreon and her husband, Jason (of the Argonauts fame). Most uncharacteristically, for a mother, she determines to murder her young sons in the ultimate punishment of their father.

Medea, we also learn, is a woman who has made previous powerful and dangerous decisions on behalf of her choice of husband, Jason. She killed her own brother and betrayed her father. No shrinking violet, she.

There are many directorial touches

that work well in this production: Medea (played with mastery and passion by Alexandra Tavares) is raging torturously around her bedroom suite (off-stage, but very apparent) during the beginning of the play, while the boys’ nurse gives the expository speeches about the circumstances. Kitchens asks Yadira Duarte to do that in both English and Spanish, which is interesting and effective, though it does lose a bit of clarity.

The Greek Chorus of Maya Burton, Sunam Ellis, Chelsea LeValley, Kathryn Van Meter, Lucy Weber, and Dedra D. Woods all sing, while repeating ritualistic

and beautifully chosen gestures by choreographer Donald Byrd. The songs mirror the activity and the theme, and the Chorus emphasizes many aspects of female bonding. The women both decry and approve of Medea’s actions. They understand why she makes the choices she makes, even as they can’t stop her.

Tavares does show a whole range of responses, in wavering over whether to murder her children, and in conversation with Jason as played by Sylvester Foday Kamara, where it seems like there is a moment when she could change her mind entirely, if only Jason would abandon his scheme to marry the princess. Kamara demonstrates exactly the right levels of male privilege here.

The two children, Gabriel Mudge-Burns and Cecilia Cruz, are adorable, and they both perform professionally.

Lighting by Kent Cubbage amps up the dramatic portent, as does the ominous rumbling of sound design by Jay Weinland. The rest of the cast includes John Bianchi, Peter Crook, Kevin McKeon, and Matt Sherrill.

This is a great production of this tragedy to see, though I would caution bringing children younger than teens due to … you know…. dead kids. There will be a lot to talk about on the drive home.

For more information go to www.seattleshakespeare.org or call 206-783-8222.

Discuss your opinions with SGNcritic@ gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/ SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at MiryamsTheaterMusings. blogspot.com.

ROZ & RAY

continued from cover dens Theater in Chicago. The artistic director of Victory Gardens, Chay Yew, supplely directs this production and two veteran actors with national theater credits take on the roles in this roiling, emotional two-hander.

The unassuming title gives nothing away about what kind of relationship Roz and Ray have. It is definitely unique, in that Roz is a hematologist and Ray is a parent of twin hemophiliacs who need constant medical attention and blood products to stay alive. The play jumps back and forth in time from the late 1970s to 1991. This is key to the subject at hand.

We’re talking about AIDS. It’s a potent topic, not significantly explored in many plays, The Normal Heart, Angels in America: Parts I & II and Rent being a few of the exceptions. Those plays focused primarily on the impact of AIDS on Gay men, Gay life and Gay culture, which is widely known. But what many of us don’t know and can stand some education about is how AIDS affected people who needed blood product to live normal lives.

We’re introduced to the doctor and patients when the twins we never actually see are seven years old and are being taught how to self-inject Factor H. We learn that this is a new (in the late ‘70s) kind of blood product that revolutionizes how hemophiliacs can manage care, including allowing them to inject at home, safely – they thought – and avoiding hospital care and improving clotting to enjoy a very much more normal life.

But immediately after that, we jump to 1991 with Ray shouting to the heavens that Roz killed his son! It’s a huge – and theatrically gripping – moment. It immediately intrigues and takes the play out of any normal relationship.

There is a great deal of fascinating dialogue and just enough medical information to allow us to understand how AIDS reached into this population’s medical care and destroyed faith in the national blood

Ellen McLaughlin (Roz) in Roz and Ray – Photo by Alan Alabastro

donation treatment process. Hartman smartly doesn’t overwhelm here.

The two actors, Ellen McLaughlin and Teagle F. Bougere, are nationally known stars who have both been on the Rep stage from time to time, to our delight. They are of the caliber of actor who could read the phone book and keep an audience interested.

Bougere has the more engaging character, here, with more emotional levels and more humor. McLaughlin’s character has much less humor and more personality confusion, in terms of how to interact with a man she comes to care for while keeping professional boundaries.

They have an awkward chemistry, which makes sense in this context.

In this iteration of the script, there is an unfortunate subplot. Plays often go through

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a lot of collaborative feedback and suggestions from other playwrights, directors, and theater friends, and sometimes things might creep into a play that derail it from its full potential. It is impossible, without a conversation with Hartman, to determine how or why a romance got inserted into this play. Maybe it was Hartman’s idea from the start.

However, the topic and the relationship of desperate need between a doctor and a parent of medically fragile children is fraught enough to be fascinating fodder for the play. The interdependence might indeed cause them to be tricked into the idea that they might be romantically interested and psychology has much to say on that topic.

But at present, the romance derails the whole play into more of a soap opera and a jilted lover-type scenario rather than a real

medical tragedy.

In fact, there might be an easy fix, since the script is so very solid in every other way. Take out the actual romance (even if one leaves in the moment when they make a mistaken physical connection) and remove the uninspired mawkish ending and you have a play that will demand being produced everywhere in the English-speaking world. It’s potential is that good.

To see this fascinating play, go to www. seattlerep.org or call 206-443-2222.

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2016 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival award winners announced!

We’re thrilled to announce the jury and audience award-winning films for the 2016 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival!

Best Short Film “ALZHEIMER’S: A LOVE STORY (Monica Petruzzelli & Gabe Schimmel, USA, 2016) is a beautiful, tender, intimate portrait of a man loving, and caring for, his longtime partner with Alzheimer’s for the past 11 years. As the ways they express love and compassion for each other changes, their ability to show up for each other continues to matter. A truly impressive effort, especially for a student film project, that exemplifies the power of the documentary form.”

JURY AWARDS 2016 Narrative Jury: Ana Walker, Adé Connére, and Drew Droege.

2016 Documentary Jury: Werner Borkes, Jill Leininger, and Kara Phoebe.

2016 Short Film Jury: Stephen Anunson, Eliaichi Kimaro, and Emily Zimmerman.

Best Narrative Feature “For its complex characters, acid-sharp wit, and refreshing take on queer story-telling – it’s also mother-fucking funny – we proudly present the Narrative Jury Award to WOMEN WHO KILL (Ingrid Jungermann, USA, 2016).”

Special Jury Prize “The Narrative jury is pleased to give a Special Mention For Artistic Achievement to TORREY PINES (Clyde Petersen, USA, 2016), a revolutionary, dialogue-less, beautifully crafted explosion of sound, color, and beauty.”

Best Documentary Feature “Because the film creates a pluralistic view of trans men’s stories while delightfully updating the coming of age road trip and embracing the idea of self-documentation, we would like to give the TWIST documentary award to REAL BOY (Shaleece Haas, USA, 2016). Musical mentorship and intergenerational growth propel the film as thematic elements. REAL BOY’s unique aesthetics, created by centering on Bennett’s voice, confronts and explores the intersections of queer identity, addiction and familial reconnection.”

(l) Ingrid Jungermann (Morgan) & Sheila Vand (Simone) in Women Who Kill – Photo courtesy of indiewire.com

AUDIENCE AWARDS Favorite Narrative Feature: PUSHING DEAD (Tom Brown, USA, 2106) Favorite Documentary Feature: CHECK IT (Dana Flor & Toby Oppenheimer, USA, 2016) Favorite Gay Short Film: THESE C*CKSUCKING TEARS (Dan Taberski, USA, 2015) Favorite Lesbian Short Film: BOOTWMN (Sam McWilliams & Paige Gratland, Canada/UK/USA, 2015) Favorite Transgender Short Film: DIANE FROM THE MOON (Hanna Ladoul & Marco La Via, France, 2016) (l) Danny Glover (Bob) & James Roday (Dan) in Pushing Dead – Photo courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com

CLOSET MONSTER continued from cover

Rossellini), and he confides all of his deepest, darkest secrets with the both of them. But this one is just too terrible to put voice to, even if refusing to do so has left him with a deep emotional scar that might be there forever.

Having just turned 18, on the verge of graduating from high school, the horror enthusiast with a passion for horror makeup effects and a dream to get into a prestigious art school finds himself suddenly dealing with the unintended repercussions of not talking about what he saw all those years prior. Worried he might be too effeminate while at the same time eager to explore his sexuality, Oscar begins to do things and take the sort of explorative chances (staying out too late, drinking alcohol, hanging out at college parties) he always avoided in the past. He also finds himself attracted to his new coworker at the local home improvement warehouse store, Wilder (Aliocha Schneider), the sexy stranger putting off vibes that lead the young man to believe he might be interested in more than just friendship.

Beautifully shot, imaginatively designed and nicely acted by the majority of the cast (especially pint-sized Jack Fulton, who plays Oscar as a child), there’s a heck of a lot to like about writer/director Stephen Dunn’s feature-length narrative debut Closet Monster. It’s an intriguing film, one that has more to say about sexuality and gender than it initially appears, things revolving around a main character who exhibits a ton of genre stereotypes only to burst free of most of them as the story rolls along to its conclusion. It’s an intriguing motion picture that shows a great deal of promise as far as Dunn’s future efforts are concerned, and as

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Most Innovative Short Film “Through exceptional cinematography and production quality, VÁMONOS (Marvin Lemus, USA, 2015) communicates relevant themes of gender expression in a new and innovative way. The film’s compelling narrative structure propels this story about the tension between assigned versus chosen families in the wake of the death of a loved one.”

Jack Fulton (young Oscar) in Closet Monster – Photo courtesy of siff.net

such I’m understandably curious to see what the director might have in store next.

This does not mean Oscar’s tale held me spellbound for all its nicely paced 90 minutes. While the reasons for Brin and Peter’s separation are thankfully more complex than what is initially hinted at, neither is able to bust through convention in an entirely satisfying way. Their character arcs are tiring and much too familiar, and it’s only thanks to the performances of Kelly and Abrams that either parent ends up being memorable. As for Gemma, she’s plum forgotten far too often. Although Banzhaf goes above and beyond to deliver a multilayered portrait of friendship wanting for more, the movie seldom knows what to do

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with it or how to handle the actress in a way that completely satisfies.

Thankfully, the scenes between Jessup and Schneider have a kick to them, the passions fueling their growing connection becoming deeper, more richly defined as things progress. I really liked how Dunn manages to keep it an actual mystery as to what Wilder’s sexual identity is. More, he allows the revelation to become the end-all, be-all of the endeavor, the concentrated, cathartic friendship he gradually develops with Oscar far more important as far as the grander scheme is concerned. It’s intense and moving, usually for all the right reasons, everything building to an explosion of catharsis and release that’s pure and po-

Courtesy of 2016 TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival

tently long-lasting.

I wish everything worked as well as the portions featuring these two learning about, and connecting with, one another do, because if they had Dunn’s debut would obliterate the more obvious clichés and stereotypes and become something intimate and meaningful. As it is, there’s just enough that does work, that feels, if not entirely original, at least close enough it doesn’t matter whether it actually is or not, and as such I have a soft spot in my heart for the film that likely wouldn’t exist otherwise. The dialogues between Oscar and Buffy are a minor hoot, while the makeup effects and ingenious monster masks the teenager creates are reminiscent of what young Tommy Jarvis fashioned in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, and I mean that as a compliment. It should also be noted that the film is superbly shot by João Fernandes and ingeniously scored by Harry Manfredini, their connection to Jason Voorhees and his malevolent body of work hardly accidental, I am sure.

The early moments of Closet Monster are extraordinarily strong, the horrifying inhumanity of what Oscar witnesses depicted in a way that doesn’t feel exploitive and instead only adds to the emotional dynamic, allowing for a cathartic, heartfelt investigation as events move towards their climax. All-in-all, Dunn does a fine job of taking the coming out story, if not in a new direction, at least in one that feels a little more original and creative than is typical for the genre. If it all doesn’t work perfectly, that’s oddly okay, the character-driven highs making up for the bits and pieces that fail to reach the same sort of unpredictably enthralling heights so much of the rest thankfully soars to.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Seattle Shorts Film Festival at SIFF Film Center Nov. 11-13 Seattle Shorts Film Festival may feature short films, but big things are in the works for the sixth year. This year the festival will be three days, Friday November 11th to Sunday the 13th, with new program elements. Seattle Shorts once again received over 1,000 films from Pacific Northwest, national, and international filmmakers. Seattle audiences should be ready to watch a wide variety of films this year, from music videos to shorts to even a full feature film.

The LGBTQ selections are some of the highlights of the program. Don’t miss:

Buenaventura who identifies as a transgender girl.

MARINA & ADRIENNE – Seattle premiere!

Two fugitive lovers Marina and Adrienne posing as fishermen find work on a trawler. Far out at sea, a ferocious storm picks up and tragedy occurs.

RANDY A young gay man fighting the odds to win his dream job, with a big dose of fabulousness.

THE COST OF THINGS – Locally made!

Two desperate criminals set out to rob the wealthy, only to find themselves as playthings for bored, rich elites.

The festival is held at the SIFF Film Center, a state-of-the-art 95-seat cinema at the Seattle Center, just east of the Vera Project, near and down the stairs from the Seattle Center entrance at Warren Ave. N. & Republican St., north of the Key Arena.

Tickets and passes will be available online prior to the festival through SIFF.net. For a full description of the films, special events and upcoming announcements visit www.

SeattleShort.org.

PIECE OF CAKE – Directed by the founder of Seattle nonprofit Free 2 Luv! After a year of dating paradise, things go awry when Jessie’s parents, who are unaware that Alex is a girl, arrive to town for their anniversary.

TRAPPED A short portrait on Brooklyn Sabado

Film poster for Piece of Cake – Image courtesy of imdb.com

Courtesy of Seattle Shorts Festival

Jack Reacher sequel never hits hard enough

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK Now playing Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) is still wandering America, righting wrongs where he sees them, but otherwise doing his best to live off the grid. After a job involving a corrupt sheriff puts the former Army Major back in contact with the Pentagon, most notably his successor with the military police, Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), something compels him to return to Washington, D.C. and check in. Not to get back involved, mind you, he’s done with the armed forces, but to just take a look, maybe even take Major Turner out to dinner and see what else might transpire at the end of the night.

Things don’t turn out as expected. Not only does Reacher learn that Major Turner has been arrested for espionage, he also is handed a document stating he might be the father of a teenage hellion named Samantha (Danika Yarosh). Worse, there’s a conspiracy taking place inside the government that seems to think he knows more about what is going on than he actually does, all of which makes the former serviceman all kinds of mad. Now, not only will he prove Major Turner is innocent, he’ll also protect Samantha from harm while also ascertaining the identities of those trying to get him swept up inside all of this chaos, delivering his own brand of justice in the process.

I liked 2012’s Jack Reacher, liked it a lot. Based on the book One Shot by Lee Childs, written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the movie was an old school action throwback, a cross between Bullitt with Steve McQueen and any number of Walter Hill barnburners like The Driver, 48Hrs. or Extreme Prejudice. It had a kinetically pugnacious quality I loved, and with a memorably sinister turn from Werner Herzog as the villain and a terrific star turn

by Cruise, the movie worked for me, and I have happily watched it a good half-dozen times since its original theatrical release.

Based on the 18th book in Childs’ seemingly never-ending series revolving around the character, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back has much to admire. Sadly, it has maybe even more to be disappointed with, the film living up to its title for all the

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back – Photo courtesy of hdwallpapers.in

wrong reasons. While Cruise still commands the screen, while there are a number of crackerjack fight sequences that got my pulse racing and kept my eyes glued to the screen, the plot itself is wildly silly, overly convoluted and strangely melodramatic.

The sequel never settles on a consistent tone, bumbling and stumbling its way from here to there, its faceless villains popping up occasionally to spout nonsensical platitudes that only prove how stupid they are and how insane it is they ever met with success in the first place.

This is kind of surprising, not only because I found the first film to be so gosh darn entertaining. Picking up the reins from McQuarrie (who stays on to produce) is none other than esteemed veteran Edward Zwick. Not only has he directed a pair of bona fide classics in Glory and Courage Under Fire, he’s also seen moderate success with Cruise, the pair teaming up back in 2003 for The Last Samurai. Since then his career has had its ups (Pawn Sacrifice, Blood Diamond), downs (Defiance) and in-betweens (Love & Other Drugs), but through it all his skills as a cinematic craftsman have never been in doubt, his films having a notable old Hollywood pol-

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ish that’s laudable. Yet this time there are a number of colossal missteps that get more egregious as things move along, resulting in an unstable narrative that’s impossible to become immersed in no matter how strong a smattering of elements might prove to be.

Not that Zwick doesn’t know how to stage an action sequence. There are a number of tremendous chases and escapes, each close call reminding me why it was I liked the first film and was okay with Cruise taking on the character (even if Childs’ physical description of Reacher in the books looks nothing like the actor portraying him). It should also be said that the director suitably saves the best for last; a final chase through the streets of New Orleans culminating in a rooftop battle royale downright spectacular.

It’s getting to that point that is the problem. Granted, it’s one that exists in Childs’ book as well, only to a much lesser degree.

The addition of a teenager into Reacher’s world isn’t a terrible idea, but that doesn’t make it a great one, either. Zwick, rewriting Richard Wenk’s (The Equalizer) version of the script with frequent collaborator and fellow “Thirtysomething” creator Marshall Herskovitz, never knows what to do with Samantha, using her like a walking cliché

and not a fully formed human being, and as such there are points where things frankly fall apart. The film stalls out in moments of emotionally blasé treacle that feels inelegantly forced into the proceedings. More, he’s prone to expository twaddle, characters randomly sprouting up out of nowhere to explain what is going on even though the viewer has done a perfectly good job figuring out the necessary pieces of information all on their own.

I like Cruise as the character, and I can’t say I found Jack Reacher: Never Go Back to be a complete waste of time. But the way it never develops any consistent momentum, the scenes where it presents Major Turner to be a strong, intelligent character only to unceremoniously toss her aside so the titular character can save the day, all of it just gets more and more obnoxiously annoying as things progress. For all its strengths, the sequel’s ability to entertain from start to finish isn’t one of them, and if Cruise decides to use his still massive influence to bring Reacher back for a third adventure, here’s hoping he returns the series to its belligerent roots and leaves the melodramatic gibberish on the cutting room floor where it belongs.

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Seattle Gay News 9

ORIGIN OF EVIL continued from cover

mensional characters, and devoid of anything close to a scare, the horror outing was instantly forgettable, its $50 million box office due more to good timing and a decent trailer than it was to anything approaching affinity by a majority of the domestic audience.

With that out of the way, holy moley, but is respected indie director Mike Flanagan’s (Oculus, Hush) somewhat unexpected follow-up Ouija: Origin of Evil pretty darn terrific! Billed as a prequel, this is really more of a fresh start, its connections to its lame predecessor ephemeral at best. Flanagan’s script, written once again with frequent collaborator Jeff Howard, is an effective slow-burn freak show that builds terror with troubling grace and sinister ease. It’s also beautifully acted by its talented cast, especially by young newcomers Annalise Basso and Lulu Wilson, the two actresses navigating complex emotional terrain with ferociously unsettling efficiency.

It is 1967, and Los Angeles single mother Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) makes her living as a psychic, doing séances for whoever comes calling, trying to ease her clients’ consciences and allay their deepest fears as best she can. Naturally it’s a scam, and she’s aided by her two daughters, teenager Lina (Basso) and her younger sister Doris (Wilson), the pair assisting in a variety of little tricks that convince those sitting at the table the paranormal activity they are witnessing is real.

Thanks to a suggestion from Lina, Alice decides to insert a Ouija board into the act, hopefully adding an additional layer of chicanery into their con. Funny thing is, the darn thing works, Doris particularly affected by its apparent power to contact the supernatural. Suddenly she starts exhibit-

Scene from Ouija: Origin of Evil – Photo courtesy of flickeringmyth.com

ing real clairvoyant powers, the child seemingly touched by the spirits to the point she can genuinely help people get in contact with their dearly departed loved ones and grant them a semblance of peace.

Obviously, this doesn’t end up being a good thing, Doris’ abilities not exactly all they appear to be. But what Flanagan and Howard’s script lacks in originality it makes up for in believability and robust characterizations, especially as it pertains to its central trio. They run through an entire gamut of emotional responses, each affected by this confirmation of the paranormal in their own unique way. This makes what transpires all the more disquieting, the building terror palpable as things progress to their heart-stopping, brutally kinetic conclusion.

The most natural comparison is to any number of possession thrillers, especially the granddaddy of them all, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, especially after a kindly priest, the girls’ Catholic school principal Father Tom (Henry Thomas), is introduced.

But the playfulness of the scenario, along with the naturalistic way each element ends

up being introduced, all of it allows for a level of believability that could never have existed otherwise. Additionally, the ultimate revelation as to what is really going on and why is an absolute corker of a twist, the look washing over Basso’s face as she puts all the pieces together and begins to beg Father Tom and her mother to stop talking before it’s too late as priceless as it is unnerving.

Speaking of Basso, she and Wilson give two of the best child performances of the year, and that’s not hyperbole. There’s a ton asked of both kids, and, not only do they pull off the minute intricacies of the journeys their two respective characters take, they do it in a way that allowed me to feel connected to them each and every petrifying step of the way. Wilson, in particular, does a marvelous job, her evolution as the possession progresses so startling in its effective verisimilitude watching it culminate the way it does shook me to my core.

Flanagan gets better with each outing.

More than that, he knows how to satisfy audience expectation in a way that doesn’t sacrifice story or character. He’s decidedly

unsentimental as far as outcomes are concerned and takes no prisoners as far as it pertains to the fates of any of his core characters. Yet, he does all of this with a suitably snarky sense of humor, inserting an uncomfortable laugh at just the right moment, and as such it gives things an additional human quality that’s monstrously effective.

The fact Ouija: Origin of Evil exists is minor marvel in and of itself considering how little is thought of the first film. The fact it’s good? Potentially even great? At least as wonderful as James Wan’s initial The Conjuring? Maybe even better than that? I don’t even know what to say. In fact, I’m close to clueless. Be that as it may, Flanagan cements his status as a rising directorial talent, especially as it concerns genre fare like this. Not only can I not wait to see what he has in store for us all next, I just as assuredly cannot wait to get a look at this nifty little piece of supernatural terror again for a second time.

Retro Joneses not worth keeping up with

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES Now playing In the comfort of their quiet suburban cul-de-sac, Jeff (Zach Galifianakis) and Karen Gaffney (Isla Fisher) are living the dream. His position as HR administrator at a local tech company that does business with the government is going great and her freelance work as an interior designer is going as well as ever, and with their kids away at summer camp they suddenly have the freedom to do whatever they want whenever they feel like doing it. But that doesn’t mean things aren’t starting to feel a little staid, a little boring, the non-threatening routine of their day-to-day lives making both feel as if they’ve lost that spark that gave them energy when they were wideeyed newlyweds.

Enter the Joneses, Tim (Jon Hamm) and Natalie (Gal Gadot). They’re new to the cul-de-sac, and they couldn’t appear to be more stereotypically perfect if they both wanted to. But behind the delicious baked goods and the adventurous stories of what it’s like to gallivant across the globe as a travel writer lies a secret, and it’s one that leads right to Jeff and Karen’s doorstep.

Suddenly the fate of the free world lies in the unsure hands of the Gaffneys, and it’s up to the Joneses to make sure their new neighbors rise to the challenge of keeping a firm grasp on it.

Considering Greg Mottola directed The Daytrippers, Superbad, Adventureland and Paul, I had moderate hope that Keeping Up with the Joneses would be a solid comedy-action throwback in the vein of Undercover Blues, Romancing the Stone or The In-Laws (the 1979 original, not the terrible 2003 remake). Granted, considering

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Isla Fisher (Karen) & Zach Galifianakis (Jeff) in Keeping Up with the Joneses – Photo courtesy of foxmovies.com

writer Michael LeSieur was the guy behind the scripts for You, Me and Dupree and The Maiden Heist, maybe I should have done a better job keeping those expectations in check. As it is, the movie isn’t so much a disaster as it is a blandly forgettable waste of time, not doing much of anything to warrant seeing it in a theatre yet not being so terrible that I could ever begrudge anyone for deciding to give it a chance.

Personally, I look at this as a “laundry day” piece of pop entertainment. That means, when it shows up on Cable television, say on TBS or TNT, and I’m cycling through channels sitting on the couch folding laundry, Keeping Up with the Joneses is the exact sort of feature I’d likely leave on while I finish the task. Completely disposable, engagingly just enough and with nothing so extreme going on that I’d ever feel like I’d either miss something or become so absorbed in it that I’d stop working, there’s just not a lot more to it. That’s it. Nothing else, and as far as tons more to talk about, I haven’t a whole lot to say.

October 28, 2016

Going through the motions, I will happily state that Hamm is as sexy and as fun to be around as ever, and while he’s clearly on autopilot somehow that doesn’t make him any less engaging. Even better is Fisher. She’s all-in, having an obvious blast as she throws herself into this absurd wackiness with freewheeling jubilation. More, though, she also remembers to give an actual performance, her transitions as she pieces the puzzle together, figures out what is going on and discovers a form of inner confidence and strength she didn’t know was there moderately appealing.

Galifianakis is Galifianakis, and other than admitting I liked him slightly more in his other fall high-concept comedy Masterminds, he more or less plays the part to expectation and not much more than that.

As for Gadot, let’s just say this sort of thing might not be her bag; and while the Fast and Furious heroine and the current Wonder Woman looks terrific in action, watching her try to generate anything akin to a laugh is honestly rather painful. She has

zero chemistry with Hamm, which, now that I write it down, seems sort of impossible, yet somehow that’s the case and, unlike her costars, Gadot doesn’t appear to be having anything close to a good time.

LeSieur’s script is never as smart or as incisive as I think it wants to be, and a third act twist involving the identity of a worldrenowned arms merchant is much ado about nothing, wasting a veteran, usually incredibly humorous comic in a throwaway part they frustratingly can do precious little with. In fact, pretty much the entire supporting cast is wasted, most notably Kevin Dunn as the head of security at Jeff’s company, none of them getting to do much more than act like idiots or get shot, sometimes both at the same time.

Mottola does stage a couple of nice action sequences, notably a crackerjack, if utterly loony, car chase through an abandoned warehouse district with flying motorcycles, Galifianakis hanging out the back window of an escape vehicle and Gadot showcasing lethally pinpoint marksmanship with a variety of weapons. I also quite liked a short sequence where Jeff and Karen take it upon themselves to investigate their new neighbor’s home when they’re out for the night, Fisher showcasing her comedic ingenuity with enchanting grace.

These positives aside, there is no single decent reason to spend good money to see Keeping Up with the Joneses at the multiplex. In fact, I’m not even sure there’s one to warrant spending money on a rental when it ends up on VOD or at the local Red Box, and I sure as heck don’t think anyone should pick up the Blu-ray when it’s in the bargain bin at the neighborhood Wal-Mart. But when it’s on cable? And you need something to watch while doing any number of household chores? At that point, by all means give the movie a look, because then, and really only then, will the viewer finally be getting their money’s worth.

Celebrating 41 Years!

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October 28, 2016

Seattle Gay News 11

Music by Laura Kaminsky Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed

NOVEMBER 11-19 WASHINGTON HALL SEATTLEOPERA.ORG/ASONE

Artwork byby Nathan Hemperly Artwork Nathan Hemperly

AS ONE

A TRANSGENDER STORY. A NEW OPERA EXPERIENCE. This November, join Seattle Opera for the Northwest Premiere of the intimate chamber opera As One, a contemporary exploration of a transgender protagonist’s journey told through two voices. With empathy and humor, we experience Hannah’s youthful challenges in a small town on the West coast, her quest for knowledge and understanding, her discovery of the larger trans community, and her inspiring journey to be true to herself. As One is performed by a baritone and a mezzo-soprano with string quartet at the historic (and newly renovated!) Washington Hall in the heart of the Central District.

• • • • •

Presented at Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, Seattle 5 Performances: November 11, 13M, 17, 18, and 19 Evenings at 7:30 PM; Sunday matinee at 4:00 PM Tickets: $25* & $40 Performances are 21+ with cash bar

*$25 tickets for As One are in the balcony and may have partial view due to the balcony railing.

BUY TICKETS 206.389.7676 SEATTLEOPERA.ORG/ASONE 2016/17 Season Sponsor: Seattle Opera Guild, in memory of Marian E. Lackovich and Captain Louis J. Lackovich As One Production Sponsors: The Wallace Foundation, Pride Foundation

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 13

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

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Celebrating 41 Years!

Seattle-bred filmmaker, Alden Peters documents his Coming Out in new intriguing documentary

by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer COMING OUT DVD & WOLFE ON DEMAND In his directorial debut, young NYCbased (and Seattle-bred) filmmaker Alden Peters documents his own coming-out experience, capturing everything on-camera as he plans and boldly captures his disclosures to friends, family, and society. Inspired by social media coming out videos by teens around the world, Coming Out places viewers directly inside the raw, intimate moments when Alden reveals his true identity to his family and friends, ranging from the painfully awkward to the hilariously honest. Peters even shows footage from his first Pride in Seattle from 2011 and his initial visits to Neighbours and R-Place.

Crowd sourced videos from LGBTQ youth from around the world complement the depth of Alden’s own story, and he also interviews his own family, friends, and leading LGBT figures and experts, including Janet Mock, about the unique challenges of coming out in today’s digital era.

So, my first question, why wasn’t this in last year’s (2015) Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (now called Twist)?

Peters said that he entered in Newfest, Outfest, Frameline and more and instantly got the distribution deal.

I chatted more with Peters by phone.

MK SCOTT: Hi, Alden. I just saw your Fab Doc on coming out; tell us what made you document your whole coming out process?

ALDEN PETERS: The idea to start this project happened, you know, as I was planning on coming out and kind of figuring out what I was gonna do. So, I started watching coming out stories online. You know, just people on their computer to the camera showing what happened and then eventually started like trying to find some sort of documentary that maybe captured the whole process, in real time so you see these moments on camera instead of just discussed about afterwards and I didn’t find that, it just didn’t exist. So, I kind of had ... I was in film school at the time and I thought: Well, if I film my coming out process, I can create that film that I wanted to hear, that I was searching for, before I came out of the closet.

MK: In the film, you tell your friends and family and everyone was okay about that?

ALDEN: I was really unsure of what would happen, because most of the coming out stories that I have heard usually involve a strained relationship of some sort. And I kind of just assumed that that was inevitably part of the process. I actually was like kind of worried that like one of these people in my life would actually have a serious issue with it and and our relationship would either end or be strained or something because of coming out and I was super fortunate that everybody super close to me was ultimately very supportive [although] there were some reactions that were not positive – some people who, you know, telling them this news did change our relationship in different ways [and] they decided they didn’t want to be part of the project and that’s also kind of why the film has all of these, the positive reactions, because those are the people that, of course, you know, want to be part of this, this film process project that I was putting together.

MK: Yeah, actually, that was my next question: Whether or not if there were any scenes that were cut based on the reaction?

ALDEN: Yeah, there was a couple. So,

Alden Peters – Photo courtesy of Wolfe Video

that was just not only what I was telling them but also the fact that it was happening on camera some people were uncomfortable with one or the other or both and ultimately those weren’t included.

MK: Yeah, because I have seen like your family had absolutely no issue whatsoever. I know it was hard for you to talk to your dad about it.

ALDEN: Yeah, my dad was kind of the one that I was most nervous about. I think that’s kind of maybe more like a common thread, you know, for like gay men especially to tell their fathers this. And, and my, the reaction to my siblings, too. They were kind of like “How did Dad react? Did he react well?” Like, they were curious. I think all of us were sort of, wouldn’t really know how he would react to that, that news so I was extra nervous to tell him.

MK: Yeah, because it seems like the person that you have the hardest time telling is actually the one who is actually the one who is actually the most supportive.

Which I’ve, which actually … I have found that, too. It’s like I, I waited six years to tell my grandmother and I was living with her at the time I told her and she was more supportive than anyone else and then I just told my, you know, my aunt, who was the mostreligious and she said that “Oh, I’ve known since you were four.” You know. So ...

ALDEN: It’s funny how that happens, right? ... Where, it’s kind of like, it’s almost like your prediction, for me anyways, my prediction was that, most of my predictions were wrong. Where, it’s like, like there are no extreme extreme negative reactions in the film but, like, generally the people who kind of were a little more uncomfortable were those that I thought would be totally fine and those that were totally fine and supportive were ones that I would have thought to be totally uncomfortable.

MK: I had done a bunch of coverage about six years ago, all related to those teen suicides. There was like a suicide like every other week. That was also the time of Tyler Clementi and so forth ... and so it was really cool that you actually did document that particular point; and during all of that, did that make it feel like you needed to come out at that time?

ALDEN: Yeah, that was, that was my wake up call that I needed to do something.

For me, it really, I wasn’t, you know, like living an openly-gay life and it was just secret to my friends and family: I just hadn’t told them. It was an actual, like self-belief thing that was going on: I wasn’t acting on anything other than in secret so that was kind of like a wake up call that, that was not like a healthy path, right? And the breaking news story for Tyler Clementi specifically was that, that, you know, he was outed by his roommate with the, with, uh, the room-

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mate, as you know, recorded [Tyler] and another man on his webcam remotely and then tweeted about it, did another viewing, and that kind of, like, petrified me because I felt like, you know, I was doing the same thing: meeting men secretly at the time.

And I thought “If I were suddenly outed, what would my reaction be?” And that was kind of a very scary train of thought and I realized, like, I have two options at this point: either to come out or to keep it a secret and I chose to come out and then, of course, went the total opposite direction which is came out super publicly with an entire film.

MK: Now in the film you got to sit down with the iconic Janet Mock. How did that come about?

ALDEN: You know, I was super lucky to be able to talk to Janet because she was actually finishing her book, Redefining Realness, and I just e-mailed her and, like, told her about, and she was, she was interested. She was really interested in this intersection of coming out and sharing your story, but, like the digital aspect of it, right?

So, in the film, you see these three kind of stages, like: before coming out, coming out, and then finding a community afterwards.

And, within all three of those there is this umbrella of our digital lives and what we can keep secret, what we share, how we can stay anonymous or not, and she was interested in that, and it was a wonderful, wonderful conversation. [It was] also probably the most difficult, one of the most difficult scenes to edit, because she was so wonderful. I wanted to leave [so much of our conversation] in the film. She could have been in half the film. She was really excellent!

MK: Well, it looked like you guys were having a really, really, really good time. It was a great – it looked like it was a great conversation.

ALDEN: Yeah, we actually, after the cameras stopped rolling, we were kind of talking a little bit, just about sharing our own stories, which she was doing in her book, and for the film, and I was telling her (because I had read the Marie Claire piece) and I was like “You know, you look at the two of us and our situations are totally different and, yet, somehow I felt such a connection to your piece.” And she says, “Yeah, that’s really interesting, right? You know, that keeps happening.” She said, like, “The more personal you make, tell your story, the more people will actually respond to it in the, like, being vulnerable or specific about what [you share] and don’t share and that actually kind of is something that I remembered for the rest of the editing, you know, especially in certain scenes, like, it was uncomfortable, “Do I want to share this in the film?” “Do I not want to do it?” and I just kind of remembered what

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Janet told me and kind of leaned into that and that, that really helped the strength of the film also.

MK: Yes, okay, and then you got to go to your first Gay Pride and it was (2011) Seattle Gay Pride.

ALDEN: It was! I was so nervous. I was, went all by myself with a couple cameras, and was just, felt like a total outsider, just looking and watching, and, and at that time hadn’t really, still very much like figuring out what this being gay meant to me and how I fit into this community, but it was a lot of fun. I actually haven’t been back to Seattle Pride since then, unfortunately, but I go every year here in New York.

MK: And, then also, you got to go to some of Seattle’s iconic clubs and bars?

ALDEN: Yeah, so, I think it’s kind of like part of our community, right? That there’s always this aspect of, like, the bar setting, or the club setting, that kind of like historically has always been true and that’s just always part of this coming out process for all of us, right? That it’s like “Go to the gay bar.” And that’s part of, that’s part of us being part of the community, and for a lot of us, right?, that’s kind of like the first thing we see and maybe we first think, like, this is the community, but it can also be a kind of nuanced community that you can find your place in in other spaces, but at first I was just kind of like “Oh, my gosh, this is overwhelming.” Don’t feel that way so much anymore, like, definitely feel more comfortable, and I will go out and have fun on weekends and stuff, but it was a big shock at first going from like completelycloseted to suddenly being in a bar.

MK: Okay, how is it going, are you dating? Are you going out? Are you meeting people?

ALDEN: (Laughs) Uh huh. Yes. All of the above! What can I say? This is not, this is not the kind of question my mom asks me ... whenever I talk to her on the phone!

(Laughs) Trying to get answers about my dating life. Um, yeah, it’s kind of interesting. You will also notice that it’s totally absent from the film in general, and that was, yeah, that’s just been kind of like one of those places where I felt like, yeah, maybe this is something I don’t want to share.

MK: What advice would you give to other LGBT youth?

ALDEN: I think that, it’s really hard to give like some blanket advice to, like youth, especially, about coming out. Ultimately, though, that like, you know, society is, like, getting better. Not everywhere. Very lopsided progress but it is. But really, I feel like our community is getting better. And, and, like, we as a community are getting better and that, you know, we’re here for each other, that there is, like, there are no communities, few communities, that really, really rally together, especially when tragedy strikes, and especially when we are, we’re helping those in our community that need the most help, like, we really do come together and, like, all of the other kind of like differences and problems within the community disappear, and that’s something that, you know, you are a part of that. And we’re all here for each other and that’s what I would say, you know. To, to find that community where everybody’s for you and, and really become a part of it, because it is really, really powerful.

MK: Wonderful, well, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate it. And best of luck to you on the film!

ALDEN: Absolutely.

Coming Out is available now from Wolfe Video and across all digital platforms including iTunes, Vimeo On Demand, and WolfeOnDemand.com

Seattle Gay News 19

Volunteer Park

• BACON MANSION

E. PROSPECT ST. • SHAFER MANSION E. ALOHA ST.

12TH AVE. E.

E. ROY ST.

16TH AVE. E.

15TH AVE. E.

13TH AVE. E.

• B&B ON BROADWAY E. ROY ST. • UNDER U 4 MEN

E. VALLEY ST. 14TH AVE. E.

11TH AVE. E.

FEDERAL AVE. E.

10TH AVE. E.

BROADWAY AVE. E.

E. WARD ST.

E. MERCER ST.

MALDEN AVE. E.

BROADWAY E.

• THE CANTERBURY E. REPUBLICAN ST. E. HARRISON ST.

E. THOMAS ST.

10TH AVE. E.

• UPS STORE

11TH AVE.

E. HOWELL ST.

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• CLUB Z BATHS

• THE STRANGER

NAGLE PL.

Cal Anderson Park

• LAMBERT HOUSE

BROADWAY

HARVARD AVE. E.

Seattle Central Community College

• LINDAʼS • BILLʼS OFF BROADWAY

C.C. ATTLEʼS• BOYLSTON AVE.

• GLOʼS BELMONT AVE.

SUMMIT AVE.

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT •

E. DENNY WAY

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E. JOHN ST.

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• HOT MAMAʼS PIZZA • TOYS IN BABELAND

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IVE

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• STEAM WORKS

• REBAR

• THE CRESCENT

• KREMWERK

E ST

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• SIMPLY FRAMES & MINER GALLERY

NEW YORK EXCHANGE • STUDIO 229 • PANACHE • LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO •

BELLEVUE AVE.

• SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES MELROSE AVE.

• JULIAʼS

DENNY WAY

E. OLIVE ST. GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEAMEC

• STOUT • PURR

• UNICORN • POST OPTIONS •WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men) 1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958 HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women) SW corner of Pike & 11th (stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240 STEAM WORKS - (men) 1520 Summit - 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S. - 839-1300 BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444 THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE 2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098 C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE 1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565

THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130 CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD 2103 N. 45th - 545-8363 THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188 THE CUFF COMPLEX 1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525 DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 GNOCCHI BAR - 1542 12th Ave - 328-4285 HOT MAMA’S PIZZA - 700 E. Pine St. - 322-6444 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935 MAE’S CAFE 6412 Phinney Ave. N. - 782-1222 MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537 NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358 OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW THE PINE BOX - 1600 Melrose Ave - 588-0375 POCO WINE ROOM 1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463

RETAIL SHOPS

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 1017 E. Pike St - 204-0126 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 NEW YORK EXCHANGE 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 RUCKUS 1465 E Republican St. - 257-4805 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914 UNDER U 4 MEN 709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446 WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538 YOUR CHOICE VIDEO 9811 16TH AVE SW - 768-0711

BELLINGHAM

LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862 RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849

BAR MYX - 1212 California St. - 425-610-4071 LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607 LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754

KENT

LOVER’S 25801 104th Ave. S.E. - (253) 852-1720 THE FANTASY SHOP 604 Central Ave. S. - (253) 850-8428 NASHVILLE’S SPORTS BAR (Drag Shows) 114 - Railroad Ave. N. - (253) 852 - 0909

20 Seattle Gay News

October 28, 2016

E. PINE ST.

ON

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IS AD

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• DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

E. PIKE ST. • CHOP SUEY • MADISON PUB • DIESEL BAR • PONY

PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854 PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112 R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828 RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873 SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591 SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - 441-5449 SPINNAKER BAY BREWING 5718 Rainier Ave S - 725-BEER(2337) STOUT -1530 11th Ave - 397-3825 TOULOUSE PETIT 601 Queen Anne Ave N - 432-9069 UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - 325-6492 WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210 ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS 5633 Airport Way S - 466-5954 9614 14th Ave SW - 763-1347

EVERETT

• THE GASLIGHT INN

• POCO WINE ROOM

• THE CUFF COMPLEX • GNOCCHI BAR

E. UNION ST.

SEATTLE

• RUCKUS

E. UNION ST.

LA CONNER

THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com

OLYMPIA

DARBY’S CAFE 211 5th Ave. S.E. - (360) 357-6229 LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E. Suite D - (360) 456-7300 JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E. - (360) 956-3247 URBAN ONION 116 Legion Way - (360) 943-9242

PORT ANGELES MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007

SPOKANE

ANDY’S 1401 W. 1st Ave. - (509) 747 - 0304 IRV’S (Drag Shows) 415 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 4450 NYNE BAR AND BISTRO 232 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 474 -1621 SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE 321 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 0722

TACOMA

CASTLE SUPERSTORE 6015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. - (253) 471-0391 CLUB SILVERSTONE 739½ St. Helens Ave. - (253) 404-0273 THE FANTASY SHOP 2301 6th Ave. - (253) 272-6640 LOVER’S 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., #F - (253) 475-2271 THE MIX - 635 St. Helens Ave. - (253) 383-4327 RAINBOW CENTER 2215 Pacific Ave. - (253) 383-2318 SHAKABRAH JAVA CAFE 2618 6th Ave. - (253) 572-2787 TANDEM FOR GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 3019 6th Ave, Ste. B - (253) 301-3026

TUKWILA

LOVER’S 530 Southcenter Blvd. - (206) 248-5085

WENATCHEE

THE CELLAR CAFE 240 N. Mission St. - (509) 662-1722

Celebrating 41 Years!

community calendar

Meetings Events Activities

FOR A CALENDAR LISTING: Send details to: SGN, Attn: Community Calendar, 1707 23rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98122. SGN phone: 324-4297. E-mail: sgn2@sgn. org. INCLUDE: Date, time, location, contact phone # for publication (if possible), brief description of event & sponsoring organization. DEADLINE: Tuesday 5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY: Is your event accessible to LGBTQ people with disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www. scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities.html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists.

NOTE: Phone numbers accompanying listings are within area code (206) & locations of meetings/ events are in Seattle unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY - October 29

“Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/1511/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. 30 years worth of images bring the viewer along with Erin “Tiny” Blackwell on her journey from a homeless teenager on the streets of Seattle to a mother of 10 children. Tiny grows up in difficult circumstances & uses her intelligence & stamina to create a life for herself & her family. www.spl.org FREE Dental, Vision & Medical Services (10/2710/30). Tickets issued starting at 5am at Fisher Pavilion located south of the Int’l Fountain. Admission begins at 6:30am at Key Arena, 1st Ave N & Mercer St. Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare providers, agencies & non-profits. Patients receive treatment on a first come first served basis. Patients will be admitted by ticket number. No ID or proof of citizenship needed. www. seattlecenter.org Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. 448-8518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org.

Yoga With Andrew Conner. 9:30-11am. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Saturday. A love offering is suggested but no one will be turned away.

Seattle Weavers’ Guild 2016 Annual Sale (10/2710/29). Sat: 10am-5pm. St Mark’s Cathedral, Lower Level Bloedel Hall, 1245 10th Ave E. Join us to experience over 3,500 beautifully handwoven items that highlight the work of members of the Seattle Weavers’ Guild. There will also be demonstrations of weaving, spinning and other fiber crafts. swg-sale.com Crystal Meth Anonymous. 10:30am. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Dia de Muertos (10/29 & 10/30). 11am-7pm. Seattle Center Armory. Performances of traditional folkdance, arts & crafts, marketplace & food. www.seattlecenter.org Seattle Women’s Chorus - “Unveiled.” 2pm. St Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E. New SMC/SWC Artistic Director Paul Caldwell makes his debut with Seattle Women’s Chorus. Tickets: $15-$48. 388-1400; www. seattlechoruses.org Halloween Party. Kids’ games 6pm, Snacks 8pm, Dancing 9pm. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S. Cast a revoluntionary spell at a party for feminist spirits.

Includes a political costume contest, no-host bar & socialist feminist political satire floor show. Door donations $5-$10 sliding scale, snack plate donation $8. Childcare provided. 722-6057, 722-2453.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouth center.org.

(Also meets Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 6pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Saturday. Games also on Tuesdays & Thursdays. $4 fee includes coffee & snacks. www.rainbowbridgeclub.org or email rainbowbridge club@gmail.com Seattle Women’s Chorus - “Unveiled.” 8pm. St Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E. New SMC/SWC Artistic Director Paul Caldwell makes his debut with Seattle Women’s Chorus. Tickets: $25-$48. 388-1400; www. seattlechoruses.org Seduction - Seattle’s Sexiest Halloween Party. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Performance + Music + Art. For tickets visit SeattleEortic.org

SUNDAY - October 30

“Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/1511/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. 30 years worth of images bring the viewer along with Erin “Tiny” Blackwell on her journey from a homeless teenager on the streets of Seattle to a mother of 10 children. Tiny grows up in difficult circumstances & uses her intelligence & stamina to create a life for herself & her family. www.spl.org FREE Dental, Vision & Medical Services (10/2710/30). Tickets issued starting at 5am at Fisher Pavilion located south of the Int’l Fountain. Admission begins at 6:30am at Key Arena, 1st Ave N & Mercer St. Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare providers, agencies & non-profits. Patients receive treatment on a first come first served basis. Patients will be admitted by ticket number. No ID or proof of citizenship needed. www. seattlecenter.org Gay Men’s Bowling in Lynnwood. 9:30am. Brunswick Majestics Lane, Lynnwood. 9:30am Every Sunday.

Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards! johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org

Seattle Sunday Bowling. 10:30am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $6.50 + $3 shoe rental. (425) 785-4729.

Dia de Muertos (10/29 & 10/30). 11am-7pm. Seattle Center Armory. Performances of traditional folkdance, arts & crafts, marketplace & food. www.seattlecenter.org Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies.

Contact Forrest Rode, 920-6117, Mike Chin (509) 990-0007, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. www.dharmabuddies.org. (Women may wish to contact our sister meditation group at www.LotusSisters.org.)

Just for Today. 12-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step (Narcotics Anonymous) group open to anyone in recovery.

Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm.

Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room 122. Every Sunday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org Rain City Soccer Club - Ripple Effect. Sunday afternoon. Location varies. Ripple Effect soccer team plays an almost weekly recreational scrimmage game for LGBTQ players in Seattle. To sign up visit www. raincitysoccer.org Orca Swim Team Workout. Sun: Afternoon; Mon/Weds/ Fri: Evenings. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. Every Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri. Pre-registration required. Orca Swim Team workouts are for both competitive & recreational swimmers. www. orcaswimteam.org Shame to Grace Sunday SAA. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Pride League Bowling. 6:30pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Sunday (except during the summer). Regular league bowling. Jeff, 932-3731.

Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.

MONDAY - October 31

HALLOWEEN “Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/1511/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. (See Saturday listing for details.)

SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in recovery & living on a medicine regimen. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Strength Over Speed. 2-3:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7pm. FredLind Manor, 1802 17th Ave. Every Monday (except holidays & the last Mondays in August & December). Seattle’s only LGBT speaking club. www.FreelySpeaking.org Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing.)

Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun.

322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Queers, Crackpots & Fallen Women AA. 8-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

October 29 thru November 6 Amor Open Meditation. 5-6pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Tuesday.

Gay Men’s Task Force of Snohomish County in Everett. 6-8pm. Snohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Ave Ste 309A, Everett. Meets 1st Tuesday each month.

Open to all Gay & Bisexual men in Snohomish County.

David, (425) 339-5238.

LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org Queer Young Females Group - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 6:30-7:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI).

7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Dickson room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

Over 40’s Group - For Lesbian Women 40 & Older.

7-8:30pm. University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave NE, Pilgrim Room. Every Tuesday. Open group for Lesbian women, 40 & older, in every stage of coming out or being out. Lots of social activities in addition to Tuesday meetings. 545-3521.

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Tuesday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Different Drummers. 7:15-8:30pm. Every Tuesday.

Hand drumming classes for Gay men. Learn traditional African & Afro-Caribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Bellingham. 7:30-9pm. St James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Every Tuesday. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. (See Wednesday listing at 7:30pm for details.)

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com.

Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express yourself. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org

WEDNESDAY - November 2

“Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/1511/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. (See Saturday listing for details.)

Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. MF is a social group for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline.

4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): A Support Group & HIV/STD Prevention for Youth (14-20) in Everett. 6-8pm. CCA Building, 3331 Broadway - Bottom Floor, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Sponsored by PFLAG Everett chapter. David/Brenda, (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com The Rowing Team Peer Recovery Group. 6-7:30pm.

TUESDAY - November 1 All Pilgrims Church, 500 Broadway E. Meets every “Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/15- Wednesday. This peer recovery group provides a safe & 11/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. (See Saturday supportive faith community to share your recovery jourlisting for details.) ney with, God answers our prayers & sends us a boat.

October 28, 2016

Seattle Gay News 21

Sometimes rowing furiously for yourself & sometimes for others. All are welcome.

Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Wednesday. Discuss the best LGBT novels with other book-lovers in a safe, comfortable conversation. Come once or come every week. http://faculty.washington.edu/swittet/SGLBook Club/ SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Southeast Seattle Lesbian Evening Group. 6pm.

Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St. Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. RSVP to Kate Hawkins 722-0317. www.sessc.org. FREE. Lotus Sisters Meditation & Dharma Discussion North. 6:15-8pm. Ravenna Bryant neighborhood. Meets every Wednesday. Call 525-7295 for location. www.

LotusSisters.org.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.)

CONTAGIOUS EXCHANGES: Queer Writers in Conversation. 7pm. Richard Hugo House, 1021 Columbia St. The series features dynamic writers & artists from a range of genres, styles, sensibilities & all the markers of Queer identity. This month: Vivek Shraya with Chase Joynt. FREE. hugohouse.org The Gay Uncle Time – Seattle’s Monthly Celebration of Pop, Camp, Gay, Underground and Trash Culture of the ’60s & ’70s and Beyond! with Fabulous Special Guests. 7pm. The Jewel Box Theatre @ The Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. $6 cash at the door.

Ingersoll All-Trans Drop-In Support Group. 7-9pm.

Seattle Counseling Services, 1216 Pine St, Suite 300.

All Transgender, Gender Variant, Gender Queer, Gender Questioning, allies, family & friends are welcome. This is a drop in group to get & give support, social interaction & information for the whole Gender community. www. ingersollcenter.org PFLAG/Renton Monthly Meeting. 7pm. St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave S, Renton. Meets 1st Wednesday each month.PFLAG/Renton: 425-235-4139.

PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724. www.seattle-pflag.org.

Seattle Movie Bears Movie Night. Check website for details. Every Wednesday night. Gay & Bi men enjoy a movie at a local theater with opportunity to socialize before & after movies. More info: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/seattlemoviebears; or e-mail: seattlemoviebearssubscribe@yahoogroups.com HIV/AIDS Newly Diagnosed or Newly Dealing. 7:309pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave, Suite 200. Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month. Ongoing support group for anyone who is HIV+. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7:30pm. Call for location. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing.)

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com.

Pride Skate Seattle. 8:30-11pm. Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW. First Wednesday of every month. $8 admission includes skate rental. Must be 18+, with 21+ bar. Performances, roller skating, and fun! See you there! www.southgaterollerrink.com

THURSDAY - November 3

“Tiny: Streetwise Revisited” Photo Exhibit (9/1511/3). Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. 30 years worth of images bring the viewer along with Erin “Tiny” Blackwell on her journey from a homeless teenager on the streets of Seattle to a mother of 10 children. Tiny grows up in difficult circumstances & uses her intelligence & stamina to create a life for herself & her family. www.spl.org Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.”

12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Open meeting of AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting.

12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org.

Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS). 12:452:45pm. South East Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St, Rainier Ave S & S Holly St. Meets 1st Thursday each month. Discussion and activities group for Lesbians approaching 60 and over. All Lesbians welcome. May buy lunch at 12 if desired. Contact Fai at 722-0729 or email alissquestions@gmail.com. Metro route 7. Wheelchair accessible.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Q Hour. 4:30-5:30pm. Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave. 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month. A group for LGBTQ youth 13-21 & their allies. Sponsored by Youthcare.

FREE. 622-5555 x 212.

First Thursday Art Walk in Downtown Seattle/Pioneer Square. 5-9pm. Art galleries in Downtown Seattle/Pioneer Square host opening night receptions. Seattle Art Museum is free today.

Rouge Cafe Music. 5-7:30pm. Maximilien, 81a Pike Place Market. A Parisian acoustic band, Rouge has collaborated with Maximilien for well over a decade to

22 Seattle Gay News

community calendar

All-Star Women Jam. 7pm. Spinnaker Bay Brewing, 5718 Rainier Ave S (at S Orcas St). Featuring All-Star women artists - 1st Friday feature; 3rd Friday jam. Great food trucks & great beer. spinnakerbaybrewing.com, bluestodo.com Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Love, Family, Origins: Trans/Queer POC Stories by Us for Us (11/3-11/6). Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. In this show, eight TQPOC-identified artists take the stage to celebrate love, family & origins, honoring all TQPOC stories by revealing their own. FREE. gaycity.org/mosaic Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm.

The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org.

Seattle Burlesque Games 2016 (11/4 & 11/5). 7-10pm.

Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Two nights of campy competition as Seattle burlesquers tease & twirl to the finish line for the Ultimate Supreme Medals & Rhinestone Trophies.

Each night is a different show! The event benefits the Burlesque Hall of Fame Legends Challenge. www. facebook.com/events/759646277509001 Orca Swim Team Workout. Evening. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing.)

LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm.

Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org

SATURDAY - November 5

create a joyously romantic old-world ambience once a month, for special celebrations & on New Year’s Eve. rougemusic.com Seattle Human Rights Commission. 6-8pm. Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave. Meets 1st Thursday each month.

SHRC is made up of 15 citizen representatives who advise the Mayor, the City Council, & all City of Seattle Depts in matters regarding human rights. 684-4540.

Shifting Gears. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. Drop-in support group (non 12-step) for anyone of any orientation or gender who desires recovery from drugs or alcohol. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth.

(425) 747-4937.

Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Contemplative Service. 6:30pm. 7141 California Ave SW. 935-0418, office@wsuu.org, www.wsuu.org Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org Love, Family, Origins: Trans/Queer POC Stories by Us for Us (11/3-11/6). Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. In this show, eight TQPOC-identified artists take the stage to celebrate love, family & origins, honoring all TQPOC stories by revealing their own. FREE. gaycity.org/mosaic Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Seattle Prime Timers Coffee Reunion. 7pm. Kaladi Brothers Coffee, 517 E Pike St. Meets 1st Thursday each month. Monthly social meet & greet. Bus routes 2, 9, 10, 11, 43, 47, 49 & 60 and the new Capitol Hill/First Hill streetcar go within 3-4 blocks of Kaladi Bros. www. seattleprimetimers.org Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Emerald City Social Club. 7:30pm. Call for details & location - phone staffed most Tuesday evenings or leave

October 28, 2016

message. Meets 1st Thursday each month. ECSC is a confidential crossdressing social & support organization for Transvestite & Transsexual individuals, primarily MTF, which offers confidential membership, private monthly meetings, frequent events on the town, & help in coming out. (425) 827-9494.

Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium.

Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. You are not alone. For information, community events & “questioning” visit www.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/ gayfathersseattle Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A discussion group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Amor Chorale Rehearsal. 8-9pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Thursday.

Calling all sopranos, altos, tenors & basses. The Amor Spiritual Center currently has openings for singers in its Chorale group.

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.)

FRIDAY - November 4

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

Mr & Miss Gay Seattle Pageant - A Night Avast the Emerald Cove. Doors 5pm, Show 6pm. Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway (entrance in alley of E Pike St). An evening of fine drag entertainment as contestants compete for Seattle’s oldest drag title. $15 admission, 21+.

Northwest Bears Potluck and Meet & Greet Beer Bust. 6pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave at E. Pine St. Meets 1st Saturday each month. Northwest Bears is a Gay men’s social and service organization providing a focal point within the Gay community for Bears and Bear admirers. www.nwbears.com.

Love, Family, Origins: Trans/Queer POC Stories by Us for Us (11/3-11/6). Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. In this show, eight TQPOC-identified artists take the stage to celebrate love, family & origins, honoring all TQPOC stories by revealing their own. FREE. gaycity.org/mosaic Seattle Burlesque Games 2016 (11/4 & 11/5). 7-10pm.

Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Two nights of campy competition as Seattle burlesquers tease & twirl to the finish line for the Ultimate Supreme Medals & Rhinestone Trophies.

Each night is a different show! The event benefits the Burlesque Hall of Fame Legends Challenge. www. facebook.com/events/759646277509001 Seniors in Heat! - Fun-raisers for Southeast Seattle Senior Center. 7-9:30pm. SESSC, 4655 S Holly St. Drag show, grandma auction, and chili cook-off with Sylvia O’Stayformore. Tickets: $5. brownpapertickets. com/event/2605271. www.stayformore.com

SUNDAY - November 6

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Border Riders Motorcycle Club First Sunday Ride.

Contact Border Riders for details and rendezvous point.

Meets 1st Sunday most months. BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 3pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 1st Sunday each month. K of M/Jet Chapter is a fun-loving leather/Levi social & charitable organization that raises money for various causes & organizations. 329-0886. www.facebook.com/ kofmjetchapter/ PFLAG/Kittitas County. 4-5:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 3rd & Ruby Sts, Ellensburg. Meets the first Sunday of every month. For information, (509) 925-7937.

Seattle Jazz Vespers. 6-8pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, Seneca St & Harvard Ave. 1st Sunday of every month (October-June). The historic Gothic sanctuary of Seattle First Baptist Church is offered to the best jazz groups in the city to perform 100 minutes of their own popular music. FREE. For info 325-6051, www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/sjv Ski Buddies Monthly Potluck. 6-8:30pm. Meets 1st or 2nd Sunday each month (Oct-Feb). Come & hear about all the great ski trips & winter activities Ski Buddies has planned. Whether you snow board, downhill, cross-country, or telemark, there are trips & events for you. Bring a potluck dish to share. www.skibuddies.org Love, Family, Origins: Trans/Queer POC Stories by Us for Us (11/3-11/6). Doors 6pm, Show 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. In this show, eight TQPOC-identified artists take the stage to celebrate love, family & origins, honoring all TQPOC stories by revealing their own. FREE. gaycity.org/mosaic

AA Ageless in Recovery. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A drop in AA group for older & wiser people 55+. www.sasgcc.org Re-Parenting Ourselves. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A peer support group for adult children of any addiction. www. sasgcc.org SLAA Road to Recovery. 12noon-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. Ongoing 12 step group for sex & love addicts. www.sasgcc.org Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday.

(253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Thursdays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting 12-step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. meth. www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169. www.sasgcc.org

Celebrating 41 Years!

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025.

In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault.

Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equal rightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City promotes wellness in LGBTQ communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community. Gay City Health Project’s Wellness Center provides anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing. 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - 322-2515; www.lamberthouse.org LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.mature friends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: www.raincityjacks.org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples.org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org.

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony.org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Olympia/Thurston County: www.RainbowCenterOly. org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption: 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proud-and-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: 568-7777, info@ nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: 206-325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflag seattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: 425-4836642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community.pflag. org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington state: www. pflagwsc.org.

community calendar

PEOPLE OF COLOR: AARTH (African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry), 850-2070, www. aarth.org; Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multi-culturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www. entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, 781-3565, iya@ilelailai. org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo. com, www.macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@ gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwoSpirit@ hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 2558951; Sistah Sinema, www.sistahsinema.com, info@ sistahsinema.com; Trikone-Northwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www.trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-685-0164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle.

Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org; Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235.

Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond.

Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned.

Safe Schools Coalition - www.safeschoolscoalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233).

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. 905-9941, www.seamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities - 684-4503.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families providing comprehensive mental health

Visit us online www.sgn.org

services on a sliding scale. 323-1768.

Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected

by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/steppage.html Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network - www.shift recovery.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays.

(425) 339-5298.

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) - www.facebook. com/socialoutreachseattle South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.South SoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Different Spokes Bicycling Club: www.differentspokes.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby. com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emerald citysoftball.org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@hotmail.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@gmail.com and on

October 28, 2016

Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefront runners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www. seattlegaybasketballassociation.com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www. seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www. teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www.theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies. org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, 367-4064, www.teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@camptrc.org, www. camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934.

Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.

SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www. genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www. genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & ForeignBorn Support Group: 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/ Olympia-Trans-Discussion-Group/262449878114; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www. washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS): Fai, 722-0729, alissquestions@gmail.com; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. 720-5566, 1-888-2921912; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes. com; Lesbians Over 40: 722-0729; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc. org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www. pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol.com; Seattle Girls of Leather: www.sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www. tacomalesbianconcern.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot. com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks.org, 461-4493.

Yakima: First Fridays - (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa. org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www.globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 3222515, www.lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: 957-1665; www.llaa.org/HEYO; www.Matthews Place.com; The Mockingbird Society: 323-KIDS (5437), www.mockingbirdsociety.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.org; Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS): 7268500; www.psks.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www.pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www. facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, 206-326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - 360-698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www. safeschoolscoalition.org; 451-SAFE (451-7233) (nonemergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): 524-7301 ext 111; www.streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509-396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 522-8412; YouthCare/Orion Center: 622-5555; Youth in Focus: 723-1479; www. youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273TALK, www.yspp.org

Seattle Gay News 23

22 FOR SALE

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10 HOUSEMATES 11 FOR RENT 12 HOUSING WANTED 13 HOUSING FOR SALE

36 ESCORTS

14 HELP WANTED

FUCK-E-MON GO

23 yo, 5’8”, 165, 7.5cc. Versatile, Blk/Mix, Bodywork * Fantasies * Toys & Oils * Eager to Please. 702-2814095. In/Out Calls. 41/3

CLUB Z

accepting applications for day time janitor. Send application request to info@thezclub.com with “EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION” in the subject line or stop by the club to pick one up. 1117 Pike St - 206-622-9958. 41/2

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37 BODYWORK

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19 HOME SERVICES TIDY’S LANDSCAPING, LAWN CARE, HAULING, HANDYMAN & TRASH REMOVAL SERVICES

We are just a couple of guys with a good back along with some tools. We do not believe in charging through the roof prices. Free estimates. Serving Seattle and surrounding areas. 206-354-8949. 37/3

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20 HEALTH & WELL-BEING

DADDY BEAR

21 LICENSED MASSAGE - NON-SEXUAL

EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK

Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion.

I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted. Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-2357766. 45/12

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments welcome until 9pm.

Jeff, LMP, 206-650-0542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 44/3

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ENERGY/BODYWORK

Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.) First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available. Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206-286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again.

Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/ BMI-Brochure.html. 44/21

Magic touch bodywork.

12noon-8pm.

206-328-5828. 16/6

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area. Scott, 206-355-4469. 39/

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GREAT MASSAGE given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/text Matt, 206-235-7766. In/out calls. 45/12

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38 MEN

RAIN CITY JACKS

RCJ is Seattle’s private club hosting hundreds of group jack-off events since 2005. Hot, friendly, and genuine male bonding for men 18+ only. Email or visit our web site for information. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 51/12

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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READING

Iconic Gay magazine XY returns for millennials

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor When I was a teenage boy, in the midst of my first Gay relationship, it was a closeted affair. It was the mid-1990s and nobody, and I do mean nobody, my age was out about anything Gay, LGBTQ wasn’t really a thing, and I sure as hell wouldn’t be caught dead flashing any rainbow stickers, flags, or temporary tattoos either. It was 1996, I was 16-years-old and because the Internet had yet to become the mother of all pornography that it is today – my boyfriend and I hadn’t the slightest clue that there was anybody else out there quite like us.

But then came XY Magazine and our world didn’t seem so small anymore. Everything changed and it was exciting. It’s hard to put into words exactly how much seeing other boys, many of whom looked as though they were the same age as I, kissing, flirting, and more. XY Magazine quickly became known for its sexually charged photos of young Gay boys in and out of the closet (as well as in and out of bed) and poignant cultural commentary.

Because it was not officially pornography, I was able to buy the magazine while still in high school. There was just one problem – I would rather have cut off my own hand than be caught by a classmate

24 Seattle Gay News

XY Magazine returns – Photo courtesy of newnownext.com

buying a (gasp!) Gay magazine! So I stole the first issue … and many issues thereafter from the local Tower Records in Las Vegas, Nevada. I couldn’t have been the only one. I often wondered how the hell they managed to stay in print without anyone buying the damn thing. I’m not proud that I took the magazines. but it really does speak to the times and what the terrible things the closet made people do. At any rate, XY catered to young Gay men for 12 years before stopping

October 28, 2016

publication in 2008. The global financial crisis had another victim in its seemingly relentless quest to ruin glossy print media.

In what might be some of the best news I could ever imagine to learn this week, Seattle Gay News is proud to announce that XY’s editor, Peter Ian Cummings, says his magazine will not fade into obscurity. This month, the quarterly publication returned to newsstands – nearly naked boys n’ all!

“Wonderland” is XY’s 50th issue, and

features 200 pages of articles like “The Rise and Fall of Cruising.” And for those readers who remember XY for its lewd imagery you won’t be disappointed! The return issue features an interview with George Alvin (adult film star Max Ryder) featuring photos of him posing nude in a bubble bath with a strategically – albeit pesky – placed shower curtain.

Cummings founded XY in San Francisco in 1996. This week he told The Huffington Post that his magazine will once again favor stories about “love, sex and the quality of life” over heavy political commentary and lifestyle features.

“XY was always the most loved Gay magazine and that is still true today. Gay is not just equal to a marketing exercise, but perhaps XY are the only people who see that,” he said. “XY is instead, and only, about sexual liberation, intimacy, closeness, and love. It’s a philosophical journal.”

“We really feel that the increasing economic inequality, and technological advancement, in the country has led to a decline in intimacy and a general increase in meanness ... all of this technology that was supposed to make us closer has also led to an increase in loneliness,” he added.

For more information about the magazine go to http://www.xymag.org/x/.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

October 28, 2016

Seattle Gay News 25

26 Seattle Gay News

October 28, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

October 28, 2016

Seattle Gay News 27

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October 28, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!